INSTITUTE FOR DEMENTIA RESEARCH & PREVENTION (IDRP)

MISSION

This Institute is currently involved in a wide range of
studies aimed at understanding the causes of brain aging and
identifying the basis by which aging promotes the development of dementia, focusing on lifestyle choices as modulators
of cognition. Secondary emphasis is understanding the basis
for frailty and falls in elderly with and without dementia.

A central focus of the Institute for Dementia Research and
Prevention (IDRP) is obtaining information from our growing registry of over 1,600 individuals from Louisiana, aged
60 and over, who receive annual neurocognitive exams and
a host of other evaluations focused on understanding the
basis of brain aging and dementia. Studies use cutting-edge
analysis in laboratory and free-living settings and will soon
be incorporating neuroimaging. An increasing number of
Pennington Biomedical faculty and faculty from institutions
around the country are working with the IDRP to increase
the impact of its efforts. This is accomplished by using our
registry and existing data to secure more grants and publications in multiple areas of geriatric research.

In addition
to these efforts, the IDRP conducts a variety of clinical trials
focused on dementia treatment, participating in major
pharmaceutical industry-sponsored trials as well as lifestyle
interventions.

Those interested in learning more about any of these research efforts or who
would like to participate are
encouraged to contact the IDRP
at 1-877-276-8306 or to e-mail
dementia@pbrc.edu for more details.